The first AgNet News Hour of 2026 opened with a wide-ranging conversation on agriculture, food policy, and accountability, as Nick Papagni, “the Ag Meter”, and Lorrie Boyer set the tone for a year expected to bring major change. From rising costs and labor challenges to food regulation and taxpayer transparency, the discussion reflected growing frustration among farmers, families, and small businesses across California and beyond.
A central focus of the program was a powerful and personal interview with Erin Krier, Professor of Agriculture at Allan Hancock College, who shared how artificial food dyes dramatically affected her son’s behavior during early childhood. Erin explained that her son experienced extreme hyperactivity, aggression, and loss of impulse control—symptoms that completely changed once artificial food dyes, flavors, and certain preservatives were removed from his diet. The improvement was immediate and unmistakable, reinforcing research that links synthetic dyes—many petroleum-based—to behavioral issues in children.
Krier emphasized that these additives often remain in the body for days, continuing to affect the brain even after consumption stops. She offered practical advice for parents, including reading labels carefully, preparing food ahead of time, managing treats at school and social events, and using resources like the Feingold Association to identify safer food options. She also pointed out that Europe has already taken action on artificial dyes, making the current U.S. push—supported by RFK Jr.—long overdue.
Beyond food dyes, the show tackled broader policy concerns shaping agriculture in 2026. Papagni and Boyer discussed rising minimum wage pressures, automation in fast food and agriculture, and the strain these costs place on small businesses. They also highlighted new USDA actions aimed at tightening oversight on grants and programs to curb fraud, particularly within SNAP and other taxpayer-funded initiatives. Protecting U.S. farmland from foreign ownership and ensuring national food security were underscored as growing priorities.
The episode closed with discussion on livestock trucking regulations, water storage challenges after another strong snowpack year, and the need for common-sense infrastructure solutions to support farmers. Throughout the show, one message was clear: agriculture, food, and family health are deeply connected, and decisions made now will shape the future for years to come. This episode delivers insight every farmer, parent, and ag professional should hear—and the full interview with Erin Krier provides eye-opening detail that goes far beyond headlines.
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